Not infrequently I am taken to task for the manner in which I approach my material, Folk singer and guitar player Dave Van Ronk (1936-2002) wrote in the liner notes to Ballads, Blues, and a Spiritual. A white New Yorker singing traditional Southern Black songs, he distinguished himself from others who adopted this repertoire by imitating the way he heard Black musicians perform. "Although I can appreciate the 'White approach' to Negro folksongs and enjoy the work of many of it's adherents, I still reserve the right to sing these songs in the style to which I am accustomed, partly because of habit, and partly, I confess, because I feel that my way is the 'right way'."This 1959 release was Van Ronk's first record. It contains the tracks "If You Leave Me Pretty Momma," "Backwater Blues," "K.C. Moan," "How Long," and "John Henry," which were not featured on the Van Ronk collection The Folkways Years, 1959-1961. Liner notes include photos, lyrics, song histories, and an introduction by Van Ronk.

Tracklist:

Duncan And Brady
Black Mountain Blues
In The Pines
My Baby's So Sweet
Oh, What A Beautiful City (Twelve Gates To The City)
Winin' Boy
If You Leave Me, Pretty Momma
Backwater Blues
Careless Love
Betty And Dupree
K.C. Moan
Gambler's Blues
John Henry
How Long?

UPC: 093070381827
Label: Folkways Records
Release Date: 5.30.12
Format: CD

Dave Van Ronk - Ballads, Blues, and a Spiritual (CD)